Family Time in Alberta

For Reading Week, I went to Alberta. Yes, the slacker life of a student. :) Providentially, it wound up that the weekend my break started was the same weekend that my dad's father, Opa to me, turned 85. I was able to be there for the parties and then for a week afterwards, too!

We had Opa's family gathering at a place north of Calgary. The weather was bad in the morning, but everyone made it to the location safely anyway. Then the sun came out and we explored the grounds. Some people went snow-shoeing, and others went sledding before lunch.

My cousin's son, Braden, climbs the hill ahead of the pack

 Dad and others went down the hill, sledding for a long time. He got all the farthest runs, until my last one...I beat him! :)

 Two of my aunts were climbing the hill after their runs down. They are brave and active ladies!

 Dad and his Ws... He marked the ends of his runs with W to mark which ones were his.

 See? I was there, too! Sledding is good father-daughter bonding time. I recommend it, as long as you have hills. :)

 During lunch we sat around at different tables and enjoyed a delicious meal of Morroccan fare.

 Meet the Maldiney men. They live in Calgary and I spent a few days with them before Opa's party on Saturday since I had flown into Calgary. These boys are the littlest cousins, and they're growing up so fast! (sorry, guys - I know you're not little anymore)

 Here are a few more aunts and uncles... My dad has 10 siblings, plus all of their significant others.

 I got to see my parents in Alberta, too! They made it up for the parties as well

 Opa and Eric having a manly conversation

 while the other men, my dad and uncle, start clean up in the kitchen (this kitchen had a walk-in refrigerator!)

 Time for cake! We gathered around and sang to Opa

 Then he blew out his candles!

 The next day at church, we served the congregation cake. Opa and Oma had two sheet cakes, and we served it up in the fellowship hall after the service.

 Then the family members who were around in Taber hung out at Opa and Oma's house for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Aunt Janice looks pretty relaxed

 Dad is getting ready for a nap

 Doesn't my mom look smart? 

(in the complimentary, beautiful way the British use the term - sorry, I'm a linguist; correct terms necessary)

 Yes, it's possible to lie down and knit. Can't you see I'm doing it? Okay, so I took a nap as well, but still! I knit a whole scarf in one week, so I don't think this method was a problem.

 Beautiful, snowy, cold, and flat! I love Alberta! :) 

This was the view from my bedroom window at Rob and Leslee's house.

 Aunt Leslee wanted proof that she was helping during the third party. Yes, three party days in a row. Monday Opa had over his friends and relatives to celebrate his birthday.

 That night, we made authentic Nicaraguan food at Rob and Leslee's house: gallo pinto and Nica tacos with salsa ingles! I may not cook much, but I can cook Nicaraguan food. :)

 Another day at Opa and Oma's house, just hanging out with my family.

 Oma was showing family pictures to my parents

Opa watched at the table. 

Shortly afterwards, we played Skip-Bo because that's what we do at my grandparents' house.

All in all, I had a great visit with my family in Alberta. Not only did I see my Albertan family, but I also got to spend time with my parents. I was really thankful for the opportunity to go for such a long trip and at such an opportune time! Highlights included seeing most of my aunts and uncles, pottery with Oma, swimming and Tim Horton's with Opa, a good long talk with my uncle Dick and aunt Pearl, and hot tubbing at Uncle Rob and Aunt Leslee's house, to name a few. It was a great visit, and I'm sure I'll cherish the memories for a long time to come.